I thought Suzhou was beautiful until I went to Yangzhou

Slender West Lake Travel Guide: A Poetic Ramble Through Jiangnan Gardens (with Money-Saving Tips) "Slender West Lake, a place that is 'slenderer' but more exquisite than West Lake in Hangzhou!"—Here, the lake water is clearer than your salary, the gardens are more refined than the pie in the sky your boss promises, and the key is that tickets are only CNY 100, which is more cost-effective than the "online-famous milk tea" at the entrance of the scenic spot! As a seasoned "wanderer of Jiangnan water towns," I'm here to offer you the freshest and hottest travel guide to Slender West Lake, so you can play like a local in Yangzhou, eat like a food blogger, and not empty your wallet! From the "Five Pavilion Bridge" inscribed by Emperor Qianlong to the ancient "Daming Temple" with a thousand-year history, from the "Lion's Head Meatball" in the 1757 Food Street to the "Crab Roe Soup Dumplings" in Quyuanchashe Teahouse, let's start a poetic journey in Jiangnan~ 📌 Must-Visit Attractions in Slender West Lake 1. Five Pavilion Bridge: Emperor Qianlong's "Check-in Spot for Moments" "This bridge is more photogenic than your selfie skills!"—The Five Pavilion Bridge, also known as the "Lotus Bridge," has five pavilions on the bridge that are scattered in a well-proportioned manner. It looks like a blooming lotus flower from a distance and is a landmark building of Slender West Lake. ✅ Best way to experience it: - Take photos in the morning: The lake is misty, and the bridge is reflected in the water. You can take a blockbuster ancient-style photo with a casual shot. - Cross the bridge by boat: Take a cruise ship to pass under the bridge and feel the artistic conception of "traveling in a painting." 🎫 Ticket price: Included in the Slender West Lake scenic area ticket (CNY 100/person). ⚠️ Precautions: - There are many people on the bridge, so it is recommended to go before 7:00 AM or after 5:00 PM to avoid tour groups. 2. Twenty-Four Bridges: Du Mu's "Moonlight Check-in Spot" "This bridge is more romantic than your ex!"—It is named after Du Mu's "Bright moon on the Twenty-Four Bridges," and it is as beautiful as a poem when the lights are turned on at night. ✅ Must-try: - Enjoy the moon at night: The best time is around the Mid-Autumn Festival. The bridge is reflected in the lake, like "two moons shining together." - Listen to the guzheng performance: There are often performers playing by the bridge, which is full of atmosphere. 📸 Photo Tips: - Wear Hanfu or light-colored clothes to match the ancient bridge better. 3. White Pagoda: Yangzhou version of "Little Beihai" "This pagoda has persisted longer than your fitness plan!"—Legend has it that when Emperor Qianlong traveled to Jiangnan, salt merchants built a replica of the White Pagoda in Beihai Park, Beijing, overnight, which can be called an ancient "fast-track building." ✅ Best viewing spot: - Xiaojinshan: Overlook the panoramic view of the White Pagoda from a high place, and overlook the scenery of Slender West Lake. 🍃 Hidden experience: - Find the carving details of the pagoda, each place has a story. 4. 1757 Food Street: Foodies' "Heavenly Crossroads" "The Lion's Head Meatball here is bigger than your fist!"—The food street near the east gate of Slender West Lake is a one-stop shop for Yangzhou's special snacks. ✅ Must-eat list: - Yangzhou Fried Rice (CNY 20/portion): The grains are distinct, and the shrimp is chewy. - Lion's Head Meatball (CNY 15/piece): The fat and lean meat are interspersed, and it melts in your mouth. - Tanged Dried Shreds (CNY 10/portion): The bean flavor is strong, refreshing and appetizing. ⚠️ Anti-pit guide: - Don't buy "sky-high buns" at the entrance of the scenic spot, the food street is more affordable. 🏠 Accommodation recommendation: You can sleep well even on a budget trip 1. Budget Hotel (CNY 150-300/night) - Home Inn (Slender West Lake South Gate Branch): A 5-minute walk to the scenic spot, cost-effective. - Jinjiang Inn (Yangzhou Wenchangge Branch): Close to the city center, convenient transportation. 2. Youth Hostel/Homestay (CNY 50-100/bed) - Yangzhou Backpackers' Home: Good atmosphere, suitable for making travel friends. Tips: ✅ Prices are directly cut in half during the off-season (November-March). ❌ Don't choose a room facing the street, it may be too noisy at night to sleep in "poetry and distance." 🚗 Classic One-Day Tour Route (Lazy Version) Morning: Five Pavilion Bridge → White Pagoda → Xiaojinshan Noon: 1757 Food Street (Lion's Head Meatball + Yangzhou Fried Rice) Afternoon: Twenty-Four Bridges → Xuyuan → Wanhua Garden Evening: Quyuanchashe Teahouse (Crab Roe Soup Dumplings + Emerald Shaomai) ⚠️ Ultimate Survival Guide 1. Money-saving transportation method: - Bus No. 62/Tourist Line 1 goes directly to the South Gate of Slender West Lake, the ticket price is CNY 2. - Ride a shared bicycle around the lake, which is more free than a sightseeing car. 2. Anti-pit guide: - Don't believe in "free tour guides," they may be shopping group members. - Buy cruise tickets online in advance, you may have to queue up on site. 3. Cultural trivia: - Slender West Lake was originally named "Baozhang Lake" and was renamed by Hangzhou poet Wang Hang after comparing it with West Lake. - There is actually only one of the Twenty-Four Bridges, and the name comes from Du Mu's poem. Summary: Slender West Lake is suitable for "lazy and artistic" travelers. Stroll through the garden in the morning, drink tea in the afternoon, and enjoy the moon at night. Happiness is that simple! "Life is like the water of Slender West Lake—it looks shallow, but it has accumulated thousands of years of poetry."**—So, don't hesitate, come and start your Jiangnan journey! 🏯🍜